Customer Newsletter, January 2009

Recipe Box: Easy Ground Beef & Pasta Casserole
3 cups uncooked medium shells
or mini penne pasta
1 pound lean ground chuck or ground round
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 large can (15-oz) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350°. Lightly spray or grease an 11x7-inch baking dish. Cook pasta according to package directions until just tender; drain well.
In a large skillet over medium heat, saute beef with onion and celery, breaking up with a spoon. Cook, stirring, until almost cooked through. Add garlic and salt and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, granulated sugar, and the cooked drained pasta. Spoon into the prepared baking dish and cover dish tightly with foil. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Remove foil. Sprinkle with the cheese and bake uncovered for about 5 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted.
Serves 4 to 6.

Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
  • Board Reviews Rate Study Results, Adjusts Rates for 2009
    • In December, Southern Power District's Board of Directors reviewed a rate study which examined the implementation of an 11-percent rate increase to be put into effect on January 1, 2009. More>>>
  • Energy Wise Tip: Apogee Calculator...Go Online for Energy Savings!
    • Energy costs are rising. Wouldn't it be great if all types of energy efficiency advice were in one place? Somewhere you could sort through and make sense of the mountain of information? More>>>
  • Electric Heat Incentives
    • Southern offers an incentive program to customers who convert their existing, fossil fueled heating and cooling system with an energy efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified air source or ground source heat pump. More>>>
  • Federal Tax Credits Available for Energy Efficiency
    • In October 2008, President George W. Bush signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements. More>>>
  • Southern Seeks Scholarship Applicants
    • If you know a recent high school graduate, or a student who will graduate from high school in 2009, now is the time to start thinking about Southern Power District’s Utility Line Scholarship Program. More>>>